Question

A person suffers punctures in his chest cavity in an accident, without any damage to the lungs, its effect could be _____________.

• A. Reduced breathing rate
• B. Rapid increase in breathing rate
• C. No change in respiration
• D. Cessation of breathing

Answer 1

The correct option is D Cessation of breathing

To breath (i.e., inhale and exhale air), there must be a pressure gradient (or pressure difference) in lung with respect to the atmosphere. E.g. While inhaling. there must be a negative pressure and wile exhaling. there must be a positive pressure gradient inside the lungs.

Thus, if there is a puncture in chest cavity of a person, there would be very less or no pressure gradient in that person's lungs. Due to this, his/her breath would cease.

So, the correct answer is (D).